FIELD HOCKEY: Unsung players step up on and off field

Every team has a group of players that are always working hard behind the scenes to make it a successful season.

The Trentonian would like to salute a player from every Colonial Valley Conference and prep school who has been an unsung contributor to another great field hockey season.

Sara Hanley (Allentown) — The Redbirds experienced a lot of success this season and one of the reasons was effort on and off the field by Hanley. A determined midfielder, Hanley is always looking to do what is best for her team.

Maddie Beck (Ewing) — When the season began, Beck’s time was limited, but her dedication and hard work in practice eventually earned her a spot in the Blue Devils’ starting lineup. Always hustling, Beck was a consistent player on the Ewing defense. It was her ability to step up that made the Blue Devils a different team at the end of the year.

Maddie Uram (Hamilton) — Uram was one of the Hornet captains and she took her role seriously. Hamilton was plagued with some injuries and Uram stepped up and took charge on the field. She was a leader both on and off the field, working to bring the young players along.

Dorothy Von Ahnen (Hightstown) — Not only was Von Ahnen one of the top goalies in the area, the Rams seniors was just as strong in the leadership department. Always positive, Von Ahnen never let her team settle for anything but its best.

Alison McCarthy (Hopewell Valley) — McCarthy has yet to see a loose ball that doesn’t belong to her. Always hustling, the senior is one of the Hopewell Valley defenders that used her skill and determination to her advantage. One of the leaders of the Bulldogs, she always has a positive message to her teammates.

Lauren Apuzzi (Hun) — A hard worker, Apuzzi was the anchor for the Raiders this season with three years of experience making her a valuable asset. She was just as much an asset on the field with her work ethic as she was off it as a valuable role model for the young Raiders.

Criswell Lavery (Lawrence) — Just a sophomore, Lavery jumped in the cage and handled the position like a veteran. Lawrence coach Carlee Cimorelli said of Lavery that she showed tremendous heart in taking over the intimidating position. Lavery had a solid year.

Lauren Eckhardt (Lawrenceville) — A newcomer to the game of hockey, Eckhardt’s competitive spirit made her look like a veteran. She has shown great timing and her desire to track down every loose ball has been uncanny. A key component of the Big Red defense and a player that welcomes every challenge.

Morgan Sanguinetti (Notre Dame) — It all starts for Sanguinetti with her love and dedication to the game. A tireless worker that is always looking to improve. Sanguinetti has been a player that always gives 100 percent in every practice and game.

Maggie Bazile (Nottingham) — Bazile came into the season as a forward, but when asked to move to a sweeper position, she gladly made the move to benefit the team. Once in the position, she excelled and many times saved the Northstars with a great play.

Steph Saxton (Peddie) — This was a transition year for the Falcons and Saxton was one of the players that made it a lot easier. A strong defender, it was her hard work that anchored the Peddie defense. Her patience allowed the young Falcons to join her in a positive season.

Ali Cellars (Pennington) — A four-year player on the Red Raiders, Cellars can be found on the defense using her talent and desire to thwart every scoring attempt. Cellars has been one of the leaders as the Red Raiders continue to improve.

Julia DiTosto (Princeton) — DiTosto is one of the very talented young players in the area and she works at her skill every day in practice. A staunch defender, DiTosto showed poise beyond her years.

Sarah Trigg (Princeton Day) — Standing tall in the cage and stopping a goal is just one of Trigg’s attributes. Trigg has been a great leader on and off the field. She is one of the quiet leaders that does it by example.

Cate Tizzano (Robbinsville) — Playing in just her second season after making the switch from soccer, Tizzano has become one of the go-to players for the Ravens. A great teammate, she is a dedicated player that always does what is best on and off the field for her team.

Carly Wood (Steinert) — A natural talent, Wood was the Spartans leader on the field. She has great ball handling skills and her quickness allowed the Steinert midfield to easily control the transition game. A true leader, Wood did whatever was needed to help the team.

Tori Hannah (Stuart) — On a young team, Hannah was one of the freshmen that separated her from the pack. She was able to step in at the right midfield and make a difference in the defensive and the transition game. Stuart coach Missy Bruvik is delighted to have her for three more years.

Christina Hayduchok (WW-P North) — During her time at North, Hayduchok has been the consummate team player. Whatever the task, she was up to the challenge. She brings that same desire and determination to the goal.

Ashley Hasling (WW-P South) — A senior, Hasling was a program player for the Pirates. She would play wherever she was needed excelled there. She was one of the Pirates’ quiet leaders.